Become a Science Teacher

For High School Students

Students interested in teaching science at the secondary (grades 7-12) school level should initially enroll in the B.A. program in the appropriate science content area (biology, chemistry, earth sciences, or physics). All future science teachers start out as content majors when first admitted to the college; after successfully completing at least two required science content courses, students then apply for admission to the science secondary education program.

Once accepted in to the science secondary education program, students can choose a program that leads to teaching certification in grades 7-12 or they can take two more courses and earn an extension for teaching grades 5-6.

To help you make important decisions about your program, you will always have two advisers as a secondary science education major—one faculty member from your major content area and a second faculty member from science education. This insures that you are given the best information in your content area as well as the teaching profession. We encourage frequent contact with your advisers as well as other faculty members. We are here to help.

For Transfer Students

Have you taken some science courses and realized that you would like to explore a career as a science teacher? Do you have life experiences that have caused you to understand that science teaching is what you would like to do? Have you spent spent time in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) career and now are thinking of a life change?

We welcome you, would like to help you to understand what teaching science involves, and what you have to do to get there.

Your first step is a transcript review by an experienced science educator, Dr. Joseph Zawicki. Email him for an appointment

Since each person has a unique set of circumstances with a different set of completed coursework, Dr. Zawicki will sit down with you and develop an individual plan to fulfill your goal to become a science teacher.

For Undeclared Students

You have come to the right place if you have thought about becoming a science teacher! There are many things you need to do before you can teach.

The first step, is to become a declared science major. Visit the office or email the department chair of the science you would like to teach:

The next step is to become a science education major. Your science chair will advise on what forms are needed to complete this process.

For College Graduates

Do you have a B.S. or B.A. already? Then you need to meet to have a transcript review with Dr. Joseph Zawicki. He will be able to explain what courses are acceptable to apply towards your teaching degree and be able to plot out a path for you to follow towards your goal. Depending on your circumstances reaching your goal may be a post baccalaureate program, alternative certification program or master's program leading to certification.

Since each person has a unique set of circumstances with a different set of completed coursework, Dr. Zawicki will sit down with you and develop an individual plan to fulfill your goal to become a science teacher. Please call or email today to become one step closer to a career as a science teacher!

For Current Teachers Seeking a Master's Degree

Buffalo State offers 23 areas of specialization in the master's of science in education—more choices in graduate education study than any other SUNY school. If you would like to speak directly to an adviser, please contact one of the following science education faculty:

For All Others

If you are not sure of your status, then your next step would to meet with one of the science education faculty members for an initial advisement to find out your status. With advisement, you will learn the required coursework and other necessary tasks to become a science teacher.